Spring 2018 - COMPSCI 330 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Overview

Algorithms are a cornerstone of computational sciences and the need for efficient algorithms is ubiquitous in modern technology. However, the primary goals of algorithm design, the resources that need to be optimized, and even the model of computation varies widely between application areas. In this course, we will study some of the fundamental principles of algorithm design that appear in multiple areas and have had broad impact. In addition, we will focus on the mathematical tools that are frequently used in the theoretical analysis of algorithms, and study how such analysis, in turn, influences algorithm design. The course will be at an undergraduate level and will aim to serve the following objectives:

We will use Piazza for all correspondence and discussions related to the course. If you have a question about the course material or want to initiate a discussion, post it on Piazza allowing the entire class to view and participate in it. If you want to contact the course staff only, send a message via Piazza that is visible only to the relevant course staff.

Announcements

Kevin and Nat will be holding extra office hours on Tuesday 3/20 at 6 - 9 pm, in North 306.

In addition to his usual office hour (on 3/19), Prof. Panigrahi will have an office hour on Wednesday 3/21 at 3 - 4 pm.

Prof. Panigrahi will not have office hours on 3/5.

Prof. Panigrahi will not have office hours on 2/26. Instead, Kevin's office hours on 2/26 will start at 3:30 pm, in North 306.

Kevin's 1/29 office hour (4 - 5 pm) will be moved to 25 minutes before and after his recitation on 1/26, in Social Sciences 136.

Due to the school closings, the due date for Homework 1 has been changed from 1/22 to 1/24.

Grading

Both the midterms and the final exam will be in-class closed-book exams.

Homework

Collaborations and Honesty: Review the detailed guidelines on collaboration. Any violation of these guidelines will be reported without exception to the relevant authorities. This has led to disciplinary action in the past, so better be safe than sorry.

Late Submissions: Homework solutions must be submitted by 11:59 pm Durham (Eastern) time on the due date.
You will get no credit if you submit your homework after the submission deadline. A submission will be considered late if the submission website (Sakai) marks it as late. This means that it is in your best interest to submit sufficiently early so that there is no possibility of the Sakai server receiving it after 11:59 pm.

Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, you can contact the instructor before the submission deadline to request an extension. You should send an email to the instructor if you are requesting an extension, with a clearly stated reason for your request. Requests for extension are at the discretion of the instructor and may be refused. This implies that last-minute requests for extension are at your own peril, since the original deadline will stand if the request is denied. Only the written consent of the instructor granting an extension will be considered valid. Nobody other than the instructor (TA, UTA, etc.) is authorized to grant an extension.